The inaugural Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2024 was held tonight (12 June) at the Four Seasons, Sydney, recognising those companies that have transformed the sector and the industry’s top achieving up-and-comers.

A total of 17 winners were chosen out of 83 finalists across eight individual and nine group submissions-based categories this year.

Click here to see the full list of winners.

Jennifer Williams, a lecturer in cyber security analysis in the Department of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, was named Best Cyber Technician or Specialist Under 35.

Other individual winners included representatives from engineering services provider Babcock Australia and New Zealand, space technology provider Inovor Technologies, and academic institutions.

Several groups received accolades in the group categories for their veteran support programs, reservist/volunteer support programs, and employee incentive programs.

Companies like Hypersonix Launch Systems, Thales, and Soldier On were crowned for running various initiatives within their organisations.

Over 250 defence and national security industry members attended the maiden awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues and network with industry leaders and peers.

Australian stand-up comedian, actor, and television and radio presenter Dave Thornton assumed emcee duties and provided laughter and entertainment throughout the evening.

Steve Kuper, government relations manager at Momentum Markets, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners. These awards play an important role in recognising the workforce behind the publicly visible, traditional national security industry.”

The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2024 were held jointly by Momentum Media defence and aviation brands Defence Connect, Space Connect, Australian Aviation, and Cyber Daily.

The awards ceremony championed businesses and budding professionals for their contribution to ensuring Australia’s safety and prosperity. It paid tribute to the leading technical operations and communications specialists as well as project managers and human resources specialists under 35.

“All of the individuals nominated tonight represent the best and brightest of the nation’s critical national security industries and play a critical role in securing Australia’s national interest at a time when potential adversaries and threats lie around every corner,” Kuper said.  

Companies were also rewarded for implementing workforce initiatives that are transforming how security professionals operate as Australia prepares to embark on a period of rapid technological evolution.

Group categories covered the best diversity and inclusion program and initiative, ESG program, training and development program, and wellness and health program.

The awards were open to all businesses operating in Australia’s defence and national security supply chain.

Click here to view the full list of winners.

For more information about the awards program, click here.

This awards program is produced by Captivate Events. If you need help planning your next event, email director Jim Hall at [email protected]